What comes to mind when you think of polluted air? Many would imagine a thick layer of smog in a densely populated area. However, did you know that your indoor air can be just as poor as what you see outside? Poor air quality can lead to a plethora of health problems, especially for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. These are the top four common household products that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Cleaners and Disinfectants
While many find the fresh scent of a clean home pleasant, many cleaning products on the market contain volatile organic compounds, also known as VOCs. VOC exposure can have both short and long-term health effects. Common products such as bleach, detergents, oven cleaners, and carpet cleaners typically contain VOCs.
Aerosol Spray
In addition to cleaning products, aerosol products also contain VOCs. Aerosol products are typically seen as hairsprays, disinfectant sprays, deodorizers, shaving cream, and many, many more. Reducing your use of aerosol products will help with preventing poor air quality.
Paints
It is almost unavoidable to encounter paint in your home at some point. However, lingering paint cans and other materials can contribute to poor air quality. Because, like everything else on this list, paint contains VOCs. After doing a paint job, remove the canisters as soon as you can. You should also air out rooms a bit to help bring some fresh air into the home. There are also paints with low VOC levels, so opt-in for those whenever you plan on doing some painting.
Scented Products
Candles and air fresheners will always make a room smell fantastic, but they can also lead to indoor air pollution. Many scented candles produce soot, VOCs, and formaldehyde. For those with severe asthma, this can lead to many complications. Natural candles that are made with soy or beeswax will be better if you love candles.
Air fresheners are also another culprit of indoor air pollution. The name is incredibly misleading. They don’t do anything with “purifying the air”–they only mask odors. Air fresheners contain many chemicals that can irritate our respiratory system as well as lead to headaches and migraines.